At just 8 weeks old, a group of seven Labrador puppies shared one final playful romp together before heading off to embark on very different but equally important journeys — training to become service dogs. Each pup went to a separate program, eager and full of potential, ready to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
But for Paul and Matthew Castle, the idea of these siblings never seeing each other again didn’t sit right.
Paul, who is blind, had recently been paired with one of the puppies, now grown and named Maple — or Mr. Maple, as he’s affectionately called. As a guide dog, Maple became Paul’s eyes and constant companion, navigating the world with him day in and day out. Whether weaving through crowded streets or simply walking through a park, Maple was focused and professional when in his harness, but he also enjoyed well-earned moments of rest and affection when off-duty.
As Maple settled into his new role and home, the Castles couldn’t help but wonder what had become of his littermates. Did they remember each other? Were they happy and thriving too?
Fueled by that curiosity — and a sense of family — the couple began the heartfelt mission of locating all of Maple’s siblings. One by one, they found them: Major, Marathon, Mikey, Mascot, Matrix, Murdock, and Madrid. Their first reunion was with Major, now working as a therapy dog at a high school in Washington state. The meeting was an instant success. Maple and Major seemed to remember each other, slipping into joyful play like no time had passed.
Encouraged by this magical reunion, the Castles planned their next meeting — this time with Mikey, who now lives in Hawaii and serves as a therapy dog in a hospital.
When they arrived at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Maple was all business, donning his harness and walking calmly through the hospital grounds. At first, he didn’t react to Mikey’s presence — both dogs were still “on the clock.” But when their gear came off, everything changed.
“The moment we removed their harnesses, it was like flipping a switch,” Paul said. “They went from working professionals to joyful brothers in an instant.”
The two Labs sprinted toward each other, tails wagging wildly. They tumbled into play, rolling and wrestling just like they had as pups. Onlookers watched in awe as the dogs’ connection reignited in front of them.
“Maple is usually pretty reserved around other dogs — he much prefers people,” Paul explained. “But with Mikey, it was like he came alive. Dr. Rick Bruno, Mikey’s handler, told us Mikey had the same reaction. It felt like they knew. Maybe it was the scent, maybe it was something deeper — but the recognition was real.”
Their heartwarming reunion was celebrated in style. Hospital staff welcomed Maple and the Castles with banners, balloons, leis, and plenty of treats. The dogs toured the facility together, spreading joy not just to each other but to everyone they met.
Inspired by the emotional encounters, the Castles have set their sights on something even bigger — bringing the entire litter back together.
“Now that we’ve found all of Maple’s brothers, we’re planning a full reunion,” Paul said. “We’ve already booked our next trip.”
Saying goodbye to Mikey wasn’t easy, but the Castles reassured Maple that it wouldn’t be forever. Coordinating a reunion across states will take time, but they’re determined to make it happen.
“There’s something truly profound about seeing these dogs reconnect,” Paul shared. “It shows us how deep those early bonds can go — and how love, even across distance and time, doesn’t fade.”
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